CAF Intensifies Stadium, Security and Infrastructure Preparations for 2027 AFCON

Preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have intensified after the Confederation of African Football established a high-level oversight body to supervise tournament readiness across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda ahead of the historic tournament.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe, government ministers and football federation presidents from the three host nations agreed to form the PAMOJA Oversight Committee during a high-level working meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The committee will provide strategic direction, coordination and oversight for preparations of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, which will become the first Africa Cup of Nations tournament jointly hosted by three countries.

CAF identified several major priorities that must be completed ahead of the continental football showcase, including acceleration of stadium construction and infrastructure upgrades, confirmation of host venues and operational plans, improved cross-border coordination on visas, immigration and customs, as well as strengthening safety, security and medical preparedness.

The governing body has set August 2026 as a key milestone for the completion and review of several critical targets linked to tournament readiness. Officials from the three countries committed themselves to delivering the agreed roadmap within the set timelines.

Among the leaders who attended the Nairobi meeting were Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda, and Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang. Football federation leaders from the three nations also participated in the discussions alongside CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.

CAF has continued to intensify inspections and monitoring visits across East Africa as preparations gather pace. Earlier this year, CAF technical experts conducted inspection tours of stadiums, training facilities and tournament infrastructure in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to assess readiness levels.

The inspections focused on pitch standards, stadium infrastructure, safety systems, transport logistics and medical preparedness as CAF seeks to maintain what it described as “strict, world-class delivery standards” for the tournament.

Despite concerns raised in some reports over delays in infrastructure development in parts of the region, Motsepe recently dismissed speculation that the tournament could be postponed or moved from East Africa. He said CAF remained satisfied with progress being made by the host nations.

“Allegations that East Africa is not ready are unfounded. East Africa will not be deprived of the opportunity to host AFCON 2027,” Motsepe said during recent engagements on tournament preparations.

CAF has already confirmed that the opening match of AFCON PAMOJA 2027 will be played on June 19, 2027, while the final is scheduled for July 17, 2027. The governing body is yet to announce which countries will host the opening match and the final.

The tournament is expected to become one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in East Africa, with CAF estimating that the competition could reach more than 400 million people across the region. Organisers also view the tournament as an opportunity to boost tourism, infrastructure development, trade and regional integration among the three host nations.

CAF officials believe the establishment of the PAMOJA Oversight Committee will accelerate decision-making, improve coordination between governments and football authorities, and ensure the successful delivery of the continent’s flagship football competition.